“Hamas’s insistence on holding onto hostages as leverage, and Netanyahu’s politically driven refusal to proceed with phase two of the cease-fire, which called for an end to the war and the release of all living hostages, led to this escalation,” said Daniel B. Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Gaza’s fragile ceasefire shattered early Tuesday as Israel carried out deadly strikes across the enclave and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to use “increasing military strength” against Hamas.

After Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks, Israelis mobilized almost without reservation for war, and sacrifice. But the overnight airstrikes that killed hundreds in Gaza finds many Israelis exhausted by a long war and suspicious of their leaders’ motivations.